Norwegian shooter threatens hunger strike to get a PS3 in prison

Anders Breivik, the 35-year-old right-wing extremist who is serving a 21-year sentence for killing 77 people in a 2011 rampage, is threatening to go on a hunger strike to protest what he calls the "torture"-like conditions that he's endured during his confinement. Among his demands: an upgrade from his current PlayStation 2 to a PlayStation 3 "with access to more adult games that I get to choose myself."

Yes, seriously.

In a copy of a November complaint to prison authorities sent to AFP, Breivik, who is held separately from other prisoners for his protection, complained that his entertainment choices are being limited differently than other inmates.

"Other inmates have access to adult games while I only have the right to play less interesting kids games," Breivik writes. "One example is Rayman Revolution, a game aimed at three-year-olds."

In his 2012 trial, Breivik famously said he had "trained" for his attacks using games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, though he also practiced frequently at a target range. He also admitted to an obsession with World of Warcraft in his testimony but referred to it as a hobby that had nothing to do with the attack.

Breivik's other demands include a more comfortable chair, better conditions during a daily walk, a more generous weekly allowance, and better access to communication with the outside world.

I'm Norwegian, and just to clarify, he is not serving a normal 21 year sentence. It's the "punishment phase" that is 21 years. Even after he has served this sentence, the law's maximum, he will most probably still remain in jail, and for life, to protect society from more harm. This is, in the Norwegian judicial system, known as "forvaring".

Kyle Orland / Kyle is the Senior Gaming Editor at Ars Technica, specializing in video game hardware and software. He has journalism and computer science degrees from University of Maryland. He is based in Pittsburgh, PA.